The Seafreight National Amateur Golf Championships teed off with a bang yesterday with Jamaica’s best golfers vying for the title of National Amateur Golf Champion.

Former national representative Paul Thompson had the lowest round of the day with two under par 70 in the open flight, three strokes ahead of Carl Bruce and six strokes ahead of Mark Newnham. Christopher Clarke and Sean Morris both ended the day on 77.

In the A flight, Ronan McGrane is the current leader with 74. Runaway Bay-based Ricardo Perry is one shot behind on 75. Peter Chin lies third with 82, and Winston Watson is fourth with 83.

Stainton Baker completed the first round in the B flight with 90, four shots ahead of Delroy Alcott.

Dennis Atkinson took the lead yesterday in the Men’s Super Senior 0-12 category with 78. Dudley Wilson finished second with 82, with Fred Sutherland and Opeton Marshall one shot behind on 83. Khaleel Azan is first in the 12-24 group.

Michele Gabay is out front in the ladies 0-12 category with 80. Rochell Prince lies second on 81, while Crystal Gayle shot 95 in the 13-24 category. In the 25+ female category, Celsa Nuno is first.

In the Boys’ 15 & under, Tyler Fitt is leading with 82, ahead of Jordan Lowe with 84. In the 13 & under boys, Montego Bay-based Sebert Walker is currently in first place with 82. Jack Stein and Ethan Jones are tied on 86.

Kei Walker leads the Under-13 junior girls with 83. Sherisse Walker shot 91 for the girls’ 17 & under. Kaitlin Robertson is first in the Girls 15 & under.

Today’s second day of the three-day tournament begins with a 7:00 am tee time at the Caymanas Golf & Country Club.